Tactical Satellite-3 Mission Overview and Initial Lessons Learned (Postprint)

Abstract

Tactical Satellite-3 (TacSat-3) was successfully launched on 19 May 09, and has provided key insights into hyperspectral imaging capabilities hosted on a small satellite platform. TacSat-3 has given insights into new concepts of operations in the tactical employment of satellites and the balance between on-board processing, automation and performing these functions on the ground. System design decisions made early in the program are traced to on-orbit impacts and contain significant lessons learned for future space missions. In conjunction with the mission partners such as the Operationally Responsive Space Office TacSat-3 has shown lessons in key areas of improving responsive space goals. Specific key areas are the relatively rapid checkout of the spacecraft and lessons from the responsive space development.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2013
Accession Number
ADA587156

Entities

People

  • Christina Doolittle
  • James M Gardner
  • Peter Armstrong
  • Richard Nadile
  • Stanley D. Straight
  • Thomas Cooley
  • Thomas M. Davis

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Control Systems
  • Employment
  • Engineering
  • Field Programmable Gate Arrays
  • Hyperspectral Imagery
  • Lessons Learned
  • Personnel Management
  • Satellite Buses
  • Small Satellites
  • Solar Panels
  • Space Missions
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Star Trackers
  • Vehicles

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Organizational Process Management (OPM).

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites